11. Suspension of study

Definition of suspension

11.1.    Suspension of studies is a formal pause in a student’s studies for a defined period of time. During a suspension, the student is not required to engage with their studies. The student’s period of study resumes upon their return. 

11.2.    This section does not apply to suspensions:

• due to misconduct (covered in the University’s Student Disciplinary Regulations)
• that the University puts in place to assure itself that students can continue to study (as covered by the Support to Study or Fitness to Practise process).

Eligibility and reasons for suspension

11.3.    Students should aim to complete their studies in one continuous period and do not have an automatic right to suspend their studies.

11.4.    A suspension is only approved when a student is:

a.    unable to engage effectively with their studies owing to external factors such as:

• medical reasons or disability
• bereavement
• being a carer for someone
• financial difficulties
• required military service
• a change in a student’s work schedule if employed part-time
• taking up employment or a placement that will help the student’s academic development
• transferring to another programme of study

b.    temporarily unable to pay their tuition fees by the relevant deadlines within the University’s Fee Regulations.

11.5.    A suspension of study can last up to 12 months and the total period (i.e. where this is more than one period of suspension) cannot exceed 12 months unless an extension is approved (see 11.16). 

11.6.    Before submitting a request, students are advised to:

• check with their funding sponsor or body whether they have any additional rules and on the status of funding during a period of suspension
• seek advice from Student Visa Advice Team if they hold a student visa as any change to student status, such as a suspension of study, affects immigration status in the UK.

Requesting a suspension

11.7.    Requests are submitted by the student. A proxy may submit a request on behalf of the student where permitted by them to do so. 

11.8.    Students are required to submit supporting documents (such as medical evidence) with any request to suspend studies. Any medical certification should be provided in English or if provided in a language other than English, an accompanying translation provided.

Considering a request for suspension

11.9.    The request is considered for approval by the relevant Faculty Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students) or delegate. They will take into account:

• the reason for the request
• the student’s academic progress
• programme structure.

11.10.    The start date of a suspension cannot be more than one month prior to the request being agreed, unless exceptional reasons apply, as approved by the Faculty Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students) or delegate. 

11.11.    The outcome of the request to suspend studies is communicated to the student. 

11.12.    If a suspension is approved, any conditions for returning from suspension including any proposed change in programme, is agreed by the student, the school and a faculty representative and formally recorded.

Returning from suspension

11.13.    Before a student returns from a period of suspension:

• any agreed conditions for return must be met (which may include the submission of a medical statement of fitness to return where the suspension was on medical grounds)
• arrangements are made so that the student is able to re-engage with their studies and meet the programme requirements, and
• any ongoing support arrangements and responsibilities of the student are agreed beforehand.

The conditions for returning from suspension may be revised if circumstances change during the period of suspension. 

11.14.    If a student is unable to return on the agreed date, they may:

request an extension to their period of suspension (see 11.16), or

withdraw from the programme and reapply at a later date, requesting that the existing credit points are recognised as prior learning (section 6).

Impact of suspension on placements

11.15.    If a student suspends studies during or before a placement (for example, in industry or studying abroad) and wishes to take the placement in the following academic year, a new placement for the student will be sought. However, this is not guaranteed. If a new placement cannot be secured, the student is transferred to an equivalent programme.

Extending a period of suspension

11.16.     A total period of suspension of more than 12 months may be granted in exceptional circumstances. An extension can last up to 12 further months (up to 24 months in total). 

11.17.    A request for an extension is considered for approval by the relevant Faculty Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students) or delegate.